Dense optical termination and patching platforms, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

With respect to fiber optic structured cabling, dense optical termination and patching platforms, systems, and methods herein involve using an optical-connector adapter cassette that has double rows of adapters on a front portion and at least one goose-neck portion that transitions to a single row of adapters on a rear portion. The double rows of adapters may have virtually no geometry between them. Two cassettes may be cantilevered at the front of a fiber-optic enclosure. The systems includes other aspects.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/823,088, filed by Joseph C. Livingston, et al., on Mar. 25, 2019,entitled “Dense Optical Termination and Patching Platforms, Systems, andMethods,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety forall purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application is directed, in general, to structured optical cablesystems, and more specifically, to dense optical termination andpatching platforms, systems, and methods.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic structured cabling is a convenient way to facilitate cableconnectivity at a data center or building or other location. Structuredcabling stands in contrast to direct connections in which lines run fromone object to another without structured patch panels. One of thechallenges in the structured cabling area is to provide greater andgreater density of connections while maintaining the desired usability.

SUMMARY

According to one illustrative embodiment an optical-connector shelfassembly includes a fiber-optic enclosure having an interior portion anda plurality of trays at least partially within the interior portion anda first optical-connector adapter cassette and a secondoptical-connector adapter cassette supported by the plurality of trays.Each optical-connector adapter cassette includes a housing having afront wall, a back wall that is opposite the front wall, a first sidewall, a second side wall that is opposite the first side wall, a floorwall, and a cover that together form a cassette interior space. Thecover is substantially rectangular in a top view. The first side walland second side wall each have a front end and a back end. The front endand the back end are separated by a longitudinal distance D.

The front end of the first side wall and the front end of the secondside wall each have a height H1. The back end of the first side wall andthe back end of the second side wall each have a height H2, and whereinH1>H2. A goose-neck section is formed on the first side wall and thesecond side wall closer to the front portion than the back portion. Eachoptical-connector adapter cassette further includes at least onemulti-fiber cable adapter mounted with one or more openings on the backwall of the housing; a plurality of fiber-optic adapters mounted withinopenings on the front wall of the housing; and optical connectionspositioned within the interior of the housing connected to the at leastone multi-fiber cable adapter and the plurality of fiber-optic adapters.

The first optical-connector adapter cassette and the secondoptical-connector adapter cassette are supported by the plurality oftrays with the floor wall of the first optical-connector adaptercassette proximate to the cover of the second optical-connector adaptercassette at a front section proximate the goose-neck section of each andwherein the plurality of trays does not extend between a front sectionof the first optical-connector adapter cassette and a front section ofthe second optical-connector adapter cassette.

According to still another illustrative example, an optical-connectoradapter cassette includes a housing having a front wall, a back wallthat is opposite the front wall, a first side wall, a second side wallthat is opposite the first side wall, a floor wall, and a cover thattogether form a cassette interior space. The cover is rectangular in atop view. The first side wall and second side wall each have a front endand a back end separated by a longitudinal distance D. The front end ofthe first side wall and the front end of the second side wall both havea height H1. The back end of the first side wall and the back end of thesecond side wall each have a height H2, and the relationship is H1>H2.The optical-connector adapter cassette also includes a first goose-necksection that is formed on the first side wall and the second side wallcloser to the front wall than the back wall; at least one opening sizedand configured to receive at least one multi-fiber cable adapter on theback wall of the housing; and a plurality of openings formed on thefront wall that are sized and configured to receive a plurality offiber-optic adapters at the front wall of the housing. Other embodimentsare disclosed herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an optical-connector adaptercassette according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the optical-connector adaptercassette of FIG. 1 with the top cover and interior fibers removed;

FIG. 3 is a schematic front elevation view of the optical-connectoradapter cassette of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic rear elevation view of the optical-connectoradapter cassette of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic left elevation view of the optical-connectoradapter cassette of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a schematic right elevation view of the optical-connectoradapter cassette of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is a schematic top plan view of the optical-connector adaptercassette of FIG. 2 with the cover and interior fibers removed;

FIG. 8 is a schematic bottom plan view of the optical-connector adaptercassette of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 9 is a schematic bottom perspective view of the optical-connectoradapter cassette of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the cover of theoptical-connector adapter cassette of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an optical-connector adaptercassette according to an illustrative embodiment shown with its coverremoved;

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of an optical-connector shelfassembly according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of anoptical-connector shelf assembly according to an illustrative embodimentshowing an optical-connector adapter cassette;

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of an optical-connector adaptercassette according to an illustrative embodiment shown with its coverremoved;

FIG. 15 is a schematic, partially-exploded perspective view of anoptical-connector adapter cassette according to an illustrativeembodiment shown with its cover removed;

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a subfloor for use in aninterior of an optical-connector adapter cassette according to anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a convertible splice sleeveholder for use in an interior of an optical-connector adapter cassetteaccording to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of anoptical-connector shelf assembly according to an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a schematic top view of a front portion of anoptical-connector adapter cassette according to an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross section of the optical-connector adaptercassette of FIG. 19 taken along line 20-20;

FIG. 21 is a schematic, partially-exploded perspective view of anoptical-connector adapter cassette according to an illustrativeembodiment with its cover removed and showing at least a portion of anoptical interconnect circuit;

FIG. 22 is a schematic, partially-exploded perspective view of theoptical-connector adapter cassette of FIG. 21 with the cover removed andwith connectors added to the fiber as an aspect of the opticalinterconnect circuit;

FIG. 23 is a schematic, partially-exploded perspective view of anoptical-connector adapter cassette with the cover removed and with twosubstrates and connectors added to the fiber as an aspect of the opticalinterconnect circuit; and

FIG. 24 is a schematic, partially-exploded perspective view of anoptical-connector adapter cassette with the cover removed and with onesubstrate having optical interconnect circuits on each side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof,and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments inwhich the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice theinvention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemicalchanges may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in theart to practice the invention, the description may omit certaininformation known to those skilled in the art. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the present invention is defined only by the claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, as used throughout this document, “or” doesnot require mutual exclusivity.

The embodiments herein relate to fiber optic structured cabling.Structured cabling is in contrast to direct connections where lines runfrom one object to another without structured patch panels. The contextis structured cabling where the connections go into a central patchpanel and then patches from the active devices to the patch panel. Thenthe routing trunk cabling goes to different areas of the data center orbuilding. There is a patch panel on that side for connecting toequipment. This approach gives one flexibility in addressing theenvironment and to change things; one is not plugging into a server butinto a patch field. This approach also isolates resources as to who isdoing what.

Data center space and space in the switching rooms in buildings arespace constrained. The more connectivity and devices, the more needs tobe consolidated there. Patch field density is important. The embodimentsherein efficiently address the density while complying with applicablestandards. It is desirable to get as much in as possible while making ituseable for the end user.

In context, a fiber optic channel is typically two fibers—one transmitsand one receives. A channel is defined as a pair of fibers. A port istwo fibers. With a cassette or module, there is a connector on theinside that is a multi-fiber connector that mates with the one that isplugged in and then it branches out with individual fibers to individualconnectors in a front portion of a cassette.

There are primarily three optical fiber connectors (with matingadapters) used today: SC connector (“Sam Charlie”), the LC connector(“Larry Charlie”), and the Multi-fiber Push On (“MPO”) connector. Thecommon denominator footprint wise is the Sam Charlie adapter, which isthe oldest and lowest density. One Sam Charlie connector will fit in anadapter space; two LCs will fit in the space; or an MPO will fit in thespace. An MPO can have up to 72 fibers. The space being considered is asocket-looking space on the front as described further below. In many ofthe illustrative embodiments herein, the cutout in the module orcassette that accepts the adapters is based on the Sam Charlie cutout.The system may be modular to the component level so one can do as manyapplications as possible and efforts are made to keep the module asflexible as possible, so one can accommodate many applications.

In use with some illustrative embodiments, cassettes are positioned onsliding trays or shelves within a one rack unit space (RU). Thedimension of an LC adapter that may be used in some embodiments isapproximately ½ inch. By the time one puts some geometry around theadapter, and a sliding tray under the adapter, the most one can get in aRU space, e.g., an EIA/ECA-310-E and IEC 60297-3-100 Standard-compliantRU of 1.750″ height, is three cassettes on multiple trays (e.g., threetrays) in one rack unit. One could get four on a tray, which is 48fibers on a tray by three and that would be 144 fibers in one unit and72 ports in one unit. That is the maximum density in that kind ofarrangement.

A challenge is that there are eight-fiber applications with the MPOconnector, which typically accommodate as few as 8-fibers, up to12-fibers and 16-fibers in a single row, and 24-fibers and up inmultiple rows of 12-fibers. A “sweet spot” for the fiber count is oftenconsidered 96 ports or 192 fibers per one rack unit because that isevenly divisible between 8, 12, 16, and 24. One illustrative embodimentherein does that, and so the embodiment can cover many applications andintermix cassettes, e.g., eight port cassettes and 12 port cassettes onthe same tray. Four 12-port cassettes on two trays may be done (i.e., 8cassettes total; 96 ports, 192 fibers). Likewise, six 8-port cassetteson two trays may be done (i.e. 12 cassettes total; 96 ports, 192fibers). In the embodiments that follow, a vertical divider or partitionis added to the tray. The embodiments typically involve putting twotrays in—not three—but double stacking the adapters within the cassettesso one can get three 8-port cassettes in a half tray, or two 12-portcassettes in a half. One can mix and match on a tray and one can have8-port or 12-port cassettes.

In some embodiments, a pre-terminated solution is desired. In a datacenter, the pathways between racks, cabinets, and hallways aredefined—between basket trays or ladder racks—so one can identify how fara cable needs to run. The trunk cables are often anywhere from 12 to6912 fibers (576 12-fiber connectors on end) and it is advantageous toterminate connectors onto the cables in a factory. Set lengths may bebuilt so that they can be plugged in. Flat panels with fixed, discreetadapters can be used but they are not flexible and not modular. Modularcomponents are used in some embodiments. If one does not usepre-terminated trunks, one can use a cassette with splicing in thecassette.

With splicing, a stub cable is brought into a cassette pre-configuredwith pig tails, which would be a connector terminated to a short “tail”of fiber within the cassette and is spliced to the “tails” within thecassette. The illustrative embodiment shown herein in FIG. 1 can doeither pre-terminated or spliced. An illustrative embodiment of thespliced option is what is presented further below in FIG. 14.

Some illustrative embodiments address, at least in part, how many portsone can get into the space. The illustrative embodiments herein focus onhigher density arrangements. In some illustrative embodiments, a coupleof significant aspects to this include a goose-neck feature(cantilevered front portion) and stacking the adapters with no geometryor items between them as will be described below. Other features aresignificant as well.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 1-10, an illustrative embodiment of anoptical-connector adapter cassette 100 is presented for use in anoptical-connector shelf assembly. In this embodiment, the cassette 100is a 8-port cassette—two rows 104, 108 of four adapters as may be seenon a front portion or section 112. Rows 104, 108 are stacked as shown.The adapter openings can accommodate SC, LC, or MPO adapters. In oneembodiment, duplex LC adapters are used. A back portion or section 116,or rear portion, is opposite the front portion 112. If one has eightduplex LC adapters in the front 112 and a 16-fiber MPO adapter on theback 116, one would only need one adapter 120 on the back portion 116.If one feeds the cassette 100 with two eight-fiber MPOs, a secondconnector 124 in the back portion 116 would be needed and each adapter120, 124 would feed a row 104, 108 on the front portion 112. In anotherembodiment, instead of four adaptors wide at the front portion 112, thecassette 100 may be six adapters wide and that would be a 12-portcassette. Six duplex adapters on row 104 and six below that (second row108) may be used.

In FIGS. 1-10 the illustrative optical-connector adapter cassette 100includes a housing 128 having a front wall 132 (FIG. 3), an opposingback wall 136, a first side wall 140, a second side wall 144, floor wall148, a top cover 152. It should be noted that the directionally-orientedterms “top,” “bottom,” “side” and like are with respect to theorientation shown in the figures and are not meant to limit thedisclosure or claims to a particular orientation. The “top cover” forexample may be on the bottom with respect to the gravitational field butwould still be referred to as the “top cover.” The walls 132, 136, 140,144, 148 and the top cover 152 form an interior space 156. The cover 152is substantially rectangular in a top view. As described further below,the housing 128 is formed with a goose-neck section 160.

The first side wall 140 and second side 144 wall each have a front end164, 168 and a back end 172, 176 separated by a longitudinal distance D(320 in FIG. 5). The front end 164 of the first side wall 140 and secondside wall 144 both have a height H1 (180 in FIG. 5). The back end 172,176 of the first side wall 140 and the second side wall 144 have aheight H2 (184 in FIG. 5). With the goose-neck section 160, the relativeheights are H1>H2. The height H1 180 extends along the first side wall140 and the second side wall 144 toward the back end or portion 116 fora distance that is between 10% of D and 50% of D to form the goose-necksection 160 of the housing 128 at a front portion 112. The floor wall148 (or bottom wall) may include bends, or angled portions, at locationsto help accommodate the goose-neck section (see FIG. 9).

As used herein, “goose-neck” means a drop-down portion toward the frontportion 112. The goose-neck may have an angled section or transitionsection 162 or could be a square drop. In some embodiments, the gooseneck section 160 is a thicker portion at the front end that transitionsfrom the thinner portion with an angled or transition section 162 thatis approximately at 45 degrees from horizontal (for orientation shown).In some embodiments, the angle is between 20 and 60 degrees or any angletherebetween. On the bottom view (FIG. 8), one may see the start 236(going from left to right in the drawing) of the transition or angledsection 162 and that is where the tray would stop. The angled section162 or portion in some embodiments is less than approximately 10% of D(longitudinal length between front wall and back wall) and greater than2% of D. The angled section 162 is on a lower portion (for orientationin FIG. 6). In some embodiments, a transition section could be on boththe top and bottom of the cassette body.

At least one multi-fiber cable adapter 120 is mounted with one or moreopenings 188 on the back wall 136 of the housing 128. The cassette 100includes a plurality of fiber-optic adapters 192 mounted within openings196 on the front wall 132 of the housing 128. Optical connectionspositioned within the interior 156 of the housing 128 connect themulti-fiber cable adapter 120 from an interior side and the plurality offiber-optic adapters 192 again on an interior side.

In one illustrative embodiment, the cassette 100 is built as a moldedbox 145 and cover 152 that is releasably coupled to the molded box 145.The molded box 145 has latches 163, 167, 208, 212 that interact with thecover 152 to allow the cover 152 to be selectively released. The latches163, 167, 208, 212 (shown clearly in FIG. 2) cooperate with a rail oredge portion of the cover 152, and, in particular, for this illustrativeembodiment with access openings 215, 217, 220, and 224. In anotherembodiment, the cassette 100 is formed as plurality of coupled walls.

A portion of a latch 204 may include an indent or ball, e.g., 232, urgedoutwardly that coordinates with a matching receptacle, e.g., socket, orball for releaseably latching. In some embodiments, the ball 232 snapsinto socket 452 (see FIG. 13) on partitioning wall 448, or slide, tolatch cassette 100 into the tray. In some embodiments, a ball and socketarrangement may be used with each latch having one member.

In some embodiments, the cassette 100 is modular and fits in one RUspace. To accomplish this sizing, the adapters 192 on the front 112 arestacked line to line—one on top of another with nothing between them. Insome embodiments, a thin member, e.g., 0.125 inches thick, is placedbetween them. In addition, as previously noted, instead of making thecassette 100 profile in elevation flat, the goose-neck feature orsection 160 is included. The goose-neck section 160 allows additionaldepth at the front portion 112. As referenced further below, a supporttray only runs a portion of the way and the goose-neck section 160 iscantilevered from the edge of the tray (see, e.g., FIG. 13). The traystops at the goose-neck feature or section 160 during insertion of thecassette 100. The functionality is maintained while allowing more spaceon the front portion 112 for the rows 104, 108 of connectors or adapters192. In some embodiments, the height of the back section 116 isapproximately half of the height of the front section 112.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5 and 6, a top portion 276of the side wall 140 has an extension member 280 that coordinates with asnap feature 284 on the cover 152 (FIG. 10) to align and releasablyattach the cover to the housing 128. Likewise, a top portion 288 of theside wall 144 has an extension member 292 that coordinates with a snapfeature 296 on the cover 152 (FIG. 10) to align and releasably attachthe cover 152 to the housing 128. The housing 128 may include one ormore slide rails 300, 304 for sliding on a shelf or tray at certaintimes. More particularly, in some embodiment, the slide portions 300 and304 slide with respect to the bottom surface (for the orientation shown)of shelf partitioning walls 448 and 404 (FIGS. 12 and 13).

The front wall 132 and back wall 136 utilize common cutouts sized andconfigured so that one can put SC (Sam Charlies), MPOs, or duplex LCs inthe front 112 or the back 116. The housing 128 is a molded body ormolded box 145 or an assembled box. The cassette 100 is shown onlypartially populated with adapters—only two in the rear or back portion116, eight in the front 112. The different openings or slots may be usedwith different adapters or combinations. This embodiment is shown withblank plugs 240 and 244.

The back wall 136 (and by analogy the front 132) may take many formsincluding a flat wall with cutouts or just having pillars or I-beams 248that the adapters slide in between. Similarly, a plurality of pillars orbeams 250 is also shown in this embodiment on the front wall 132. Inthis view, ribs 252 are shown and are provided for strength and tofacilitate flow of the plastic in the mold. The ribs 252 also are usedto position a splice holder if that is what one is building (see FIG.15). A key 256 or alignment ridge may be used to align components. Oneor more integral standoffs 260 are provided that act as fiber routersand bend radius limiters and also are there to support a second floorwhen used in a splicing configuration. Snap features 264 and 268 holdthe subfloor in some embodiments (see, e.g., FIG. 15, splicingapplication). A protrusion or latch 208 is used to fill in space for thecover 152. The member 268, which is a connector support, may be includedthat assists in holding the adapters 192 in place. As mentioned above,there are three different primary adapters, and while they have the samefootprint, the adapter flanges or housings are slightly greater in widthand so the flexible item or feature 268 is included, which may be like aleaf spring. The item 268 accommodates the different thicknesses ofadapters 192 in the cassette 100.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 3, a front elevation view of thecassette 100 is presented that shows the adapters 192 on the frontportion 112. The adapters 192 are stacked in two rows with nothingbetween them at the front portion 112. In some embodiments, a thinspacer could be added, e.g., a few millimeters or less. In oneembodiment, the width 312 of the front portion 112 is 2.70 inches and inothers between 2.6 and 3.8 inches. It will be appreciated throughoutthis disclosure that different dimensions might be used in differentsituations.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 4, a back elevation view of the cassette100 is presented that shows two adapters 120, 124 and two plugs 240,244. The plugs 240, 244 fill a space when an adapter is not used in theavailable space. A label space 308 is provided on the back 116. In oneillustrative embodiment, the width 316 of the back portion 116 is 2.6inches, and in some embodiments, the width 316 is between 2.6 and 3.8inches.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 5 and 6, side elevation views of thecassette 100 are presented. The side wall 140 of housing 128 has alongitudinal length 320, or D. In one illustrative embodiment, D is 6.00inches, and in another D is varied according to the applicable standard.A length 324 from the back wall 136 is where the start of the transitionsection or area 162 starts, and the transition area has a length 328.The distance of the final portion from the transition area or section162 to the front wall 132 is 332. In one illustrative embodiment, aheight 184 at the back is approximately 0.67 inches and the height 180at the front is approximately 0.83 inches. It will be appreciated thatin that embodiment, the goose-neck section 160 adds about 0.16 inches inheight; that allows more connector space at the front portion 112. Insome illustrative embodiments, the distance 328, or dimension, may bezero with a vertical transition.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 7, a top view of the cassette 100, withthe top cover 152 removed and with connections on the interior removed,is presented. The interior connection ends 336 (shown with fibersremoved) of the front adapters 192 are coupled to the interiorconnection ends 340 of the back adapters 120, 124 (see analogousconnections 380 in FIG. 11) by fibers (not shown in this view). One cansee the I-beams or pillars 248 in this view. The snap 268 is shown thatcan help hold adapters 192 in place and may support the sub floor 460(FIG. 14) in some embodiments. The snap feature 268 is also a bendradius limiter that does a couple of things.

The snap feature 268 is a bend radius limiter and, for the bottom row,keeps the fiber from going too far forward into the connector andconnector boots. The snap feature 268 also manages the lower level andhelps support the subfloor 460 (FIGS. 14 and 15). One or moreanti-rattle members 265 may be included to reduce rattle. Theanti-rattle members 265 are biased towards the rear portion 116 to helphold the connectors secure. Other anti-rattle members may be included atother locations, e.g., at the other end, front portion 112.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 8, a bottom view of the illustrativecassette 100 is presented. In this view, one may see the goose-necksection 160 starts with transition area 162 at 236. The goose-necksection 160 goes from the transition or angled section 162 to the frontwall 132. The tray will end at 236 (see FIG. 13). This view clearlyshows an exterior of the floor wall 148. Likewise, FIG. 9 presents thebottom, but as a schematic perspective view.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 10, an illustrative embodiment of acover 152, which is a top cover for the orientation of FIG. 1, for thecassette 100 is presented. The cover 152 has a generally rectangularshape. A top surface 344 may have a recessed portion 348 for receivingone or more product labels (not shown). The recessed portion 348 isrepresented by a perimeter step 352. The cover 152 has a front 114, aback 118, a first side 142, and a second side 146. A plurality oflocating features 356 may be formed on the front 114 and a plurality oflocating features 360 may be located on the back 118. The front 114 hasaccess openings 216, 228 that align with projections 364 (FIG. 5) and368 (FIG. 6) when in an assembled position (e.g., FIG. 1). The backportion 118 has access openings 220, 224 that align with latches orprojections 208, 212 when in the assembled position.

The cover 152 includes features 356, 360 for aligning the cover 152 withthe housing 128, e.g., 366 with I-beams or pillars 250 (FIG. 2). The topof latch 200 (FIG. 2) aligns with opening 216. Item 296 is a snap thatwill snap to the housing 128. Item 212 in FIG. 2 may help hold adaptersin place. The cover 152 has a flat surface on a top surface 344 (FIG.10) (for orientation shown) for a label. The cover 152 is also the uppersurface of the slide when the cassette 100 goes into the rails, orpartitioning walls, on the tray. To do this, the cassette 100 has asmall lip or ledge (see, e.g., 536 in FIG. 18) formed at the peripheryof the cover 152 for that purpose. The lip 536 is a portion of the coverthat extends beyond the side walls. In some embodiments, the lip 536extends approximately 1.3 mm beyond the housing 128 when assembled.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 11, another illustrative embodiment ofan optical-connector adapter cassette 100 with the cassette's cover(which is analogous to cover 152) removed is presented. This embodimentis analogous to the previously-presented embodiment in most respects.This embodiment is shown at the front portion 112 with adapters 192taking the form of duplex LC adapters. The interior optical fibers 380going from adapters 192 on the front portion 112 to adapters 120 on theback portion 116 are shown. This embodiment shows how the snap features264 and 268 may also help with the positioning of the interior opticalfibers 380. An interior connector 384 is coupled to the back adapter120.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 12, an illustrative embodiment of aplurality of optical-connector adapter cassettes 100 in a patch panel392, or termination panel or shelf, is presented. The patch panel 392may be mounted to a telecommunication equipment rack. The patchpanel/shelf 392 comprises an enclosure 396 (shown without its coverattached on top for orientation shown) having a first enclosure sidewall 404 and a second enclosure side wall 408. The enclosure 396includes a first tray 400, or shelf. While only one tray 400 is clearlyvisible, it should be understood that a second tray 398 (see FIG. 18)may be included below the first tray 400. Each tray 398, 400 may haveslides or partitioning walls 448 (FIG. 13) or a means to selectivelyallow the cassettes 100 to slide and be held in position. The enclosure396 has a front portion 412 and a back portion 416. The first enclosureside wall 404 may have a flange member 420, which is substantiallyperpendicular to main lateral portion of the side wall 404, forattaching to the equipment rack or enclosure. Likewise, the secondenclosure side wall 408 may have an analogous flange member 424 forattaching to the equipment rack or enclosure.

Proximate the front portion of the enclosure 396 is a trough assembly428. The trough assembly 428 includes trough doors 432 and 436 forselectively gaining access to the trough area 440 and the front portionof the cassettes 100. The trough doors 432 and 436 may pivot about alower (for orientation shown) edge. Again, there are two troughs, butonly one is visible in this view. The troughs allow fiber patch cords444 to enter the trough area 440 and for fibers to be dispersed to theplurality of adapters 192 of the cassettes 100. A back portion 416, orrear portion, provides an open shelf area 446 for receiving input cablesthat would go to the adapters, e.g., 120, 124, on the back of thecassettes 100.

A plurality of intermediate shelf partitioning walls or slides 448 maybe included to provide slideable attachment of the cassettes 100. In oneillustrative embodiment, some of the intermediate shelf partitioningwalls 448 may be removed or repositioned to allow other cassette formatsto be installed on the same tray. This can be seen more clearly in FIG.13. A center tray partitioning wall 448 (or slide) may remain fixed, insome embodiments, to accommodate mixing of cassette formats on the sametray in half-tray increments; mixed format cassettes may still deliver96-ports per 1RU when mixed within a tray and within a 1RUpanel/enclosure.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 13, a portion of the enclosure 396 isshown. The enclosure 396 has the first enclosure side wall 404, which isa partitioning wall analogous to 448, on one side and the shelf or traypartitioning wall 448 (or slides or slide rails) on the other. The traypartitioning wall 448 and a portion of the side wall 404 may haveindentions (or partial ball-shaped receptacles or sockets) that aresized and configured to mate with a portion of a ball 232 or indentionon a side surface of the partitioning wall 448 or side 404. The tray 400may include a plurality of partitioning walls 448 between the enclosurewalls 404, 408.

Each of the partitioning walls 448 may be formed as a longitudinalmember that has a top edge 449, a bottom edge 450, a front end 451, anda back or rear end 453 for the orientation shown. A portion of thepartitioning wall 448 overlaps on the bottom edge 450 with the topsurface of the tray 400 and is secured thereto with fasteners, molding,glue, epoxy, or other attachment means. In some embodiments, fastenersextend through the tray 400 into the partitioning wall 448 through thebottom edge 450. The overlap is partially to intentionally form acantilevered portion 454. At least a portion of the cantilevered portion454 along the top edge 449 interfaces with the lip 536, and the slides300 and 304 interface with the bottom edge 450 of the partitioning wall448. The tray 400 has a leading or front edge 456 that hits thetransition area 162 (see, e.g., FIG. 2) of the goose-neck section 160 ortransition area of the cassette 100 when fully moved forward.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 14 and 15, a splicing configuration ofan illustrative embodiment of an optical-connector adapter cassette 100is presented. FIG. 14 is a front, top perspective view with the cover152 removed, and FIG. 15 is an exploded view (again with cover removed)showing two layers or floors of the cassette 100. A subfloor, orsubstrate, 460 partitions the interior at least in part. FIG. 14 showsthe components on the subfloor 460, and FIG. 15 allows the subfloor 460and below the subfloor 460 to be seen. Apart from components foraddressing splicing, the cassettes 100 of FIGS. 14 and 15 are analogousto those previously presented in FIGS. 1-13.

A cable 464, or stub cable, is brought in, routed, and spliced on thelower level (below subfloor 460) at the back portion 116, or rear. Inthis illustrative embodiment, there are eight individual splices perlevel. Reference 112 is the front where the adapters are positioned,e.g., adapter 192. The splice holders or splice sleeves 468 and 472 areshown. In one illustrative embodiment, the splice sleeves are 40 mm×03mm, but other sizes may be used as one skilled in the art wouldunderstand. The stub cable 464 is introduced on the back section 116 ofthe cassette 100 and is spliced to terminated pig tail leads that arealready connected to the adapters 192. The cable 464 is introduced andsnaps into a feature to secure the cable to the cassette 100 and isrouted, spliced, and then the fiber is dressed into theradius-management features in the cassette 100. Then the subfloor 460 ispositioned over the connections and splices on the next level are donein the same manner.

With the next level of connections (which is a top level for theorientation shown), the fibers from cable 476 are introduced into theinterior above the subfloor 460. The cable 476 may include cableretainers 480, 484 and may include a latex or rubber wrap 488 for grip.The cables used may vary with application and dimensions as desired. Inone embodiment the fibers, e.g., fiber 492, is a 900 μm A1 single modefiber but other cables may be used as those skilled in the art willappreciate.

The connectors 496 that interface with adapters 193 are visible in thisexploded view. One could bring a 16-fiber cable in and divide theterminations to accomplish eight connections in each row of adapters.Generally, however, two groups of eight would be done on each floor. Onewould do the same with a 12-port cassette; one would have 6 adapters anda little bigger splice holder that would hold 12 splice sleeves and thenrepeat the process on the next floor to complete the density.

As previously suggested, the size of the cassette 100 and features onthe cassette 100 are determined by the premise that one is using A-1single mode fiber with 900 micron buffered fiber. There are other fibersand one could use, but this embodiment contemplates A-1 or better.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 16, a detail of the subfloor 460 ispresented. The front of the subfloor 460 is shown at 500. Latches, orsnap features, 264, 268 come through apertures 504 and 508,respectively. Notch 512 in the subfloor 460 helps position the floor 460as the subfloor 460 is maneuvered around a rib on the inside of thehousing—helps guide the subfloor 460. A plurality of fiber guides 516may be used to position the fibers.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 17, a convertible splice sleeve holder520 is shown. The convertible splice sleeve holder 520 secures splicesleeves after fibers have been spliced. The keying feature 524 matchesup the arrow feature 528 (FIG. 16) on the subfloor 460 and on theregular floor. In the factory or field, the molded convertible splicesleeve holder 520 can be snapped off at location 530, or break line, toform an eight-position holder. The left portion of FIG. 17 shows thefull sleeve holder 520 (12-position holder) and the right portion showsa sleeve holder 520 after the sleeve holder 520 has been snapped atlocation 530 to reduce the sleeve holder 520 in capacity (eight-positionholder). The snap location 530 may have a thinned area or indentions orperforations to facilitate snapping. Extension members 532 may be usedto secure the sleeve holder to the housing.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 18, a plurality of cassettes 100 isshown on trays 398, 400 as part of the slide. In this view, the overhangor lip 536 of the cover 152 is shown. Slide portions 300 and 304 arealso visible. In this embodiment, the plurality of cassettes 100comprises six cassettes (3×3) shown in position for this partial view.Each cassette 100 is substantially half of a one RU shelf in height atthe front, and in the figure, the shelf is shown split down the middle;that is the left portion of the tray/shelf in the view has been removedat a mid point. Each tray 400, 398, or shelf, has three cassettes 100;so that is half a shelf (cf. FIG. 12 with six across). There is a hem540 formed at the front edge 456 on the upper tray and lower tray.

In each instance, the tray 400, 398 is cut short longitudinally; inother words, the tray 400, 398 does not extend to the front itself ofthe assigned space but supports a cantilevered portion of the cassettes100 that extends without a shelf under the front portion of the cassette100 to the trough area or patch field. The cassette 100 is cantileveredbeyond where the shelf ends proximate the hems 540. The dimension fromthe end or edge 456 of the tray to the patch field (e.g., 332+328 inFIG. 5) is determined by the depth of the adapter and the connector thatplugs into the adapter. There are standards that apply to the connectorbody and the boot that define how far one can go before doing a bend.The flange or outer structure 424 on the side of the shelf is used toattach the shelf to the rack channel. The second tray has a bottomportion 544.

In one embodiment, the optical-connector adapter cassette and the secondoptical-connector adapter cassette are disposed on a plurality of trayswith the floor wall of the first optical-connector adapter cassetteproximate to the cover of the second optical-connector adapter cassette.“Proximate” as used here means the items are near and could touch but donot have to touch. In some embodiments, proximate means that they arewithin 0.125 inches or closer. In some embodiment, proximate meanswithin 0.2 inches.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 19, a top view of another illustrativeembodiment of an optical-connector adapter cassette 100 is presented.The cassette is analogous to those previously presented. FIG. 20 is aportion of the cassette 100 of FIG. 19 taken along section line A-A.

The cassettes herein may be used with optical interconnect circuitsbecause of the uniform dimensions. The optical interconnect circuitstake the place of loose-fiber breakouts. The flexible opticalinterconnect circuits may be used to facilitate more efficientfabrication. In some instances, optical fibers are bonded between twoflexible substrates or a surface of a substrate or subfloor. In someillustrative embodiments, a substrate includes an optical fiber. Arobotic application may be used once the pattern is uniformlyestablished for the cassette. The robot may lay the optical fiber almostlike in optical printing. The robot sets out the optical fibers—spoolsit out—and lays the fiber on the substrate in a definable and repeatablepattern. This is made possible because of the uniformity of the cassette100. An illustrative example is now presented.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 21, an optical-connector adaptercassette 100 is presented that includes a substrate 600 for holding anoptical interconnect circuit. The optical fiber 604 is placed on a firstsurface 608 of the substrate 600. The cassette 100 is analogous in mostrespects to embodiments presented above and like numerals have been usedand may not be further described.

The substrate 600 is shown as rectangular member, but those skilled inthe art would understand that the substrate 600 might take manydifferent shapes. The substrate 600 may be covered with a laminate thatmay be sprayed on the substrate 600 during manufacture. The laminatehelps to hold items, e.g., optical fiber 604, placed on the substrate600. The optical fiber 604 is initially disposed as a unit with only twoends 612 and 616. The fibers 604 extend off the board or substrate 600to allow one sufficient room to terminate the connectors. The fibers orfiber cable 604 extending beyond the substrate 600 may have a littleslack to accommodate some off centering.

A first terminal end 616 is the starting point and the fiber 604 curvesand goes to a straight section (or ribbon) 620 that has eight fibers inthe straight section and then the fiber 604 goes to the first ofduplexed pairs or loop backs 624 then makes a loop at 628 again and thengoes to the other end to loop again. That pattern repeats such thatadditional loop backs 632, 636, and 640 are created. Initially applyingthe fiber 604 in this way allows the fiber 604 to be tested by applyinga light at one end, e.g., 616, and then checking for its proper and fulldelivery to the other end, e.g., 612. One wants to make sure there areno microbends or issues with the fiber before terminating the fiber.After successfully testing, the fiber 604 may be cut and connectionscompleted to connectors as discussed further below (FIG. 22).

The substrate 600 is formed with apertures or holes 644, 648 that alignwith the integral standoffs 260 of the cassette 100. For example, in oneembodiment, the standoff 652 aligns with the hole 648, and the standoff656 aligns with hole 644. Additional holes and alignment devices may beincluded as one skilled in the art will appreciate.

After the circuit 602 has been laid down, the path tested to make surethere are no microbends or issues with the fiber 604, the loops 628,632, 636, 640, 642, 646, 650 are cut at specific locations relative towhere the optical plane is. The optical plane is referenced by theadapters, e.g., 192, 120. The center of the adapters is where onetypically attaches.

Thus, in FIG. 22, on one end, the loopbacks 628, 632, 636, 640 (FIG. 21)have been cut and terminated with connectors 660, 664, 668, 672, 676,680, 684, 688 on the end of those fibers and those connectors 660, 664,668, 672, 676, 680, 684, 688 connect with the adapters 192 on the front112. At the other end, loops 642, 646, 650 (FIG. 21) have been cut andterminated with an MPO connector or an array connector 672 that willcouple with the adapter 120. Those skilled in the art will understandthat numerous adapters and connectors may be used with different numbersof fibers. The termination of the optical circuit may be by connectorpolishing or splice-on connectors. After the optical circuit has beentested and before termination, one may cleave and strip the fibers aspreparation for the termination. This may be done manually with handtools or possibly by laser.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 23, the cassette 100 may include twosubstrates 600 and 675 for holding optical circuits. There is a top row104 and bottom row 108 of adapters in the front 112. One can putmultiple optical circuits, e.g., 602 and 610 in the cassette 100 if onewanted to divide them with two or more substrates 600, 675.Alternatively, the substrate 600 could be formed as a larger unit thatis the size of substrates 600, 675 combined and then folded at edges682, 686 to form two layers from a single substrate. That is, thesubstrate could be one surface that is folded over on itself to be asingle unit that is analogous to having the two separate substrates 600,675 of FIG. 23.

In one illustrative embodiment, a first optical-connector adaptercassette 100 is formed with a folded-over substrate having an opticalcircuit on one portion (e.g., top side for orientation shown in FIG. 23)and a separate optical circuit on another portion (e.g., top of thebottom fold). In these embodiments, the substrates 600, 675 (orfolded-over substrate) may again be formed with alignment holes, e.g.,holes 644, 648, 692, 696 that coordinate with standoffs, e.g., standoffs260.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 23, the substrates 600, 675 reston each other, or may be sandwiched together. In other embodiments, thesubstrates 600, 675 may be suspended or supported by lips or ledgesformed on the interior side walls of the cassette body at differentheights and clearances, e.g., support 689.

For the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 23, the optical circuitassociated with substrate 600 may be on a bottom surface for theorientation shown and the optical circuit associated with substrate 675may be on a top surface for the orientation shown. In anotherembodiment, the optical circuits may both be on top surfaces of thesubstrates 600, 675.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 24, another illustrative embodiment ispresented that is analogous to those previously presented, except thesubstrate 600 has optical circuits formed on each side of the samesubstrate 600. Thus, optical fibers 604 are shown on the top surface forthe orientation shown and optical fibers 606 are shown on the bottomsurface for the orientation shown. The front end 112 has two rows ofconnectors, e.g., connector 698, with four connectors in each row andthe rear has four connectors, e.g., connector 672.

A feature of at least some of the illustrative embodiments herein is thehigher density that is accomplished with a modular solution.

According to one embodiment, a high density, modular fiber optictermination and patching platform is presented. The platform supportspre-term fiber counts and formats—8f, 12f, 16f, and 24f MPO connectorsand with a high port density per 1RU space—96 duplex LC ports. The sameplatform can accommodate the same number of MPO ports per 1RU. Thecassettes also support traditional field termination, splicing,splitting, TAPing, and other Enterprise and Broadband applications.

An aspect of an illustrative embodiment herein provides for a modularfiber optic patching/termination solution, capable of supporting up to96 ports per 1RU (or 192 fibers utilizing duplex LC ports).

An aspect of some illustrative embodiments herein provides cassettesdesigned to accommodate (up to) 16 fibers (using duplex LC's), andeither 8 fiber or 16 fiber MPO's. An aspect of some illustrativeembodiments herein provides cassettes designed to accommodate (up to) 24fibers (using duplex LC's), and either 8 fiber, 12 fiber, or 24 fiberMPO's. An aspect of some illustrative embodiments herein incorporatesstandards-compliant connectors and adapters.

An aspect of some illustrative embodiments herein provides adapters thatare a “SC-cutout” format. Component modularity allows duplex LC's,simplex SC's, and MPO adapters in any necessary combination in thecutouts.

An aspect of some illustrative embodiments herein provides port densitythat is achieved by direct-stacking of adapters within the front face ofthe cassettes.

An aspect of some illustrative embodiments herein provides for afull-port density in front of cassettes, ½ port density in rear.

An aspect of some illustrative embodiments herein provides a cassettedensity that is achieved by “goose-necking” or “joggling” the cassettebody to effectively replace the tray at the front patching side,effectively cantilevering the cassette(s) in front of the sliding tray.

An aspect of some illustrative embodiments herein provides for acassette that attaches to sliding trays in a shelf/chassis, in 1RU, 2RU,and 4RU configurations.

An aspect of some illustrative embodiments herein provides for anarrangement that includes multiple trays, e.g., (2) sliding trays, 2RUincludes (4) sliding trays, 4RU includes (8) sliding trays. Each traycan accommodate up to (4) 12-port cassettes or up to (6) 8-portcassettes. In some embodiments, port density per RU is the sameregardless of format. Format can be extended to accomplish any quantityor rack units, maintaining consistent port density per one rack unit.

An aspect of some illustrative embodiments herein provides for cassettesthat attach to the trays as-like sliding in an “8-track tape.” Forexample, in FIG. 13, the cassette 100 may be introduced with the lip 536resting on the top edge 449 of the and the bottom edge 450 supported onslide rails or projections 300, 304 on the cassette 100. In this way,the cassette 100 may be directed toward the back of the tray or shelf400 until the indent/ball 232 interfaces with the socket 452 on thepartitioning wall 448 to hold the cassette 100 in an attached position.

An aspect of some illustrative embodiments herein provides for trayguides that can be reconfigured to accommodate either 8-port or 12-portcassettes on the same tray.

An aspect of some illustrative embodiments herein provides for acassette that can be deployed as fully pre-termed (MPO-LC, SC, or othersingle-fiber connectors); fully pre-termed (MPO-MPO); empty for fieldtermination; with pigtails for in-cassette splicing (single-fiber orribbon); as a Broadband splitter; as an Enterprise TAP, and many otherapplications.

It should be understood that numerous embodiments and illustrations arepossible. Some additional illustrative embodiments or examples includethe following.

Example 1

According to one illustrative embodiment an optical-connector shelfassembly comprising: a fiber-optic enclosure having an interior portionand a plurality of trays at least partially within the interior portionand a first optical-connector adapter cassette and a secondoptical-connector adapter cassette supported by the plurality of trays.Each optical-connector adapter cassette including: a housing having afront wall, a back wall that is opposite the front wall, a first sidewall, a second side wall that is opposite the first side wall, a floorwall, and a cover that together form a cassette interior space. Thefront wall and the back wall may be partial walls or walls formed withlarge openings or formed mere towers or posts. The cover issubstantially rectangular in a top view. The first side wall and secondside wall each have a front end and a back end. The front end and theback end are separated by a longitudinal distance D. The front end ofthe first side wall and the front end of the second side wall each havea height H1. The back end of the first side wall and the back end of thesecond side wall each have a height H2, and wherein H1>H2. A goose-necksection is formed on the first side wall and the second side wall closerto the front portion than the back portion. Each optical-connectoradapter cassette further includes at least one multi-fiber cable adaptermounted with one or more openings on the back wall of the housing; aplurality of fiber-optic adapters mounted within openings on the frontwall of the housing; and optical connections positioned within theinterior of the housing connected to the at least one multi-fiber cableadapter and the plurality of fiber-optic adapters.

The first optical-connector adapter cassette and the secondoptical-connector adapter cassette are supported by the plurality oftrays with the floor wall of the first optical-connector adaptercassette proximate to the cover of the second optical-connector adaptercassette at a front section proximate the goose-neck section of each andwherein the plurality of trays does not extend between a front sectionof the first optical-connector adapter cassette and a front section ofthe second optical-connector adapter cassette. Proximate means near butdoes not require touching. Proximate in some embodiments just meanswithin 0.125 inches or within 0.2 inches.

Example 2

The optical-connector shelf assembly of Example 1, wherein the height H1is maintained along the first side wall and the second side wall towardthe back end for a distance that is between 10% of D and 50% of D toform the goose-neck section of the housing at a front portion.

Example 3

The optical-connector shelf assembly of Example 1 or Example 2, whereinH1>H2 by at least 30% of H1. It could also be by at least 10% to 50% ofH1 or any amount there between, e.g., 40%.

Example 4

The optical-connector shelf assembly of Example 1-3, wherein for each ofthe first and second optical-connector adapter cassettes, the coverextends laterally beyond the first side wall and second side wall toform a lip (or overhang); wherein each of the first and second sidewalls has slide rails extending from an outer surface (like projections;see, e.g., 300, 304) there from on the front section; wherein theplurality of trays comprises a plurality of partitioning walls having afirst longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; and wherein foreach, the lip and the slide rails are sized and configured so at leastone of the plurality of partitioning walls fits and slides between thelip and slide rails.

Example 5

The optical-connector shelf assembly of any of Examples 1-4, whereineach of the plurality of trays has a top surface and further comprisinga plurality of partitioning walls mounted to the top surface andextending beyond a lateral edge of the plurality of trays to form acantilevered portion of each partitioning wall.

Example 6

The optical-connector shelf assembly of any of Examples 1-5, wherein thefloor wall of the first optical-connector adapter cassette is within atleast 0.125 inches of the cover of the second optical-connector adaptercassette.

Example 7

The optical-connector shelf assembly of any of Examples 1-6, wherein Dis approximately 6 inches and the goose-neck extends from the front endapproximately 1.5 inches.

Example 8

The optical-connector shelf assembly of any of Examples 1-7, wherein H1is about 0.83 inches and H2 is about 0.67 inches.

Example 9

The optical-connector shelf assembly of any of Examples 1-7, wherein H1is about 0.83 inches and H2 is about 0.67 inches, wherein the width ofthe front wall is about 2.7 inches and the width of the back wall isapproximately 2.6 inches.

Example 10

The optical-connector shelf assembly of any of Examples 1-7, wherein H1is about 0.83 inches and H2 is about 0.67 inches, wherein the width ofthe front wall is about 3.9 inches and the width of the back wall isapproximately 3.8 inches.

Example 11

The optical-connector shelf assembly of any of Examples 1-10, whereinthe first side wall and second side wall are primarily straight exceptfor a transition forming the goose-neck portion comprises an angledsection having an angle between 20 degrees and 80 degrees, whichincludes any angle there between.

Example 12

The optical-connector shelf assembly of any of Examples 1-11, wherein atransition from the goose-neck portion comprises an angled section, andwherein the angled section extends longitudinally less thanapproximately 10% of D and greater than 2% of D.

Example 13

The optical-connector shelf assembly of any of Examples 1-12, where thefirst optical-connector adapter cassette and the secondoptical-connector adapter cassette each comprises a first substratehaving an optical circuit thereon.

Example 14

The optical-connector shelf assembly of any of Examples 1-12, where thefirst optical-connector adapter cassette and the secondoptical-connector adapter cassette each comprises a first substratehaving a first optical circuit thereon and a second substrate having asecond optical circuit thereon.

Example 15

The optical-connector shelf assembly of any of Examples 1-11, where thefirst optical-connector adapter cassette and the secondoptical-connector adapter cassette each are formed with a folded-oversubstrate having an optical circuit on one portion and a separateoptical circuit on another portion.

Example 16

According to still another illustrative example, an optical-connectoradapter cassette comprising: a housing having a front wall, a back wallthat is opposite the front wall, a first side wall, a second side wallthat is opposite the first side wall, a floor wall, and a cover thattogether form a cassette interior space. The cover is rectangular in atop view. The first side wall and second side wall each have a front endand a back end separated by a longitudinal distance D. The front end ofthe first side wall and the front end of the second side wall both havea height H1. The back end of the first side wall and the back end of thesecond side wall each have a height H2, and wherein H1>H2. Theoptical-connector adapter cassette also includes a first goose-necksection is formed on the first side wall and the second side wall closerto the front wall than the back wall; at least one opening sized andconfigured to receive at least one multi-fiber cable adapter on the backwall of the housing; and a plurality openings formed on the front wallthat are sized and configured to receive a plurality of fiber-opticadapters at the front wall of the housing.

Example 17

The optical-connector adapter cassette of Example 16, wherein the heightH1 extends along the first side wall and the second side wall from thefront end towards the back end for a distance that is between 10% of Dand 50% of D to form the first goose-neck section.

Example 18

The optical-connector adapter cassette of Example 16 or Example 17,wherein 0.5H1>H2.

Example 19

The optical-connector adapter cassette of any of Examples 16-18, furthercomprising: at least one multi-fiber cable adapter disposed with the atleast one opening sized and configured to receive at least onemulti-fiber cable adapter on the back wall of the housing; a pluralityof fiber-optic adapters disposed within the plurality opening on thefront wall sized and configured to receive a plurality of fiber-opticadapters on the front wall of the housing; and optical connectionspositioned within the interior of the housing connected to themulti-fiber cable adapter and the plurality of fiber-optic adapters.

Example 20

The optical-connector adapter cassette of any of Examples 16-19, whereinD is approximately 6 inches and the first goose-neck extends from thefront end approximately 1.5 inches.

Example 21

The optical-connector adapter cassette of any of Examples 16-20, whereinH1 is about 0.83 inches and H2 is about 0.67 inches.

Example 22

The optical-connector adapter cassette of any of Examples 16-21, whereinthe optical-connector adapter cassette comprises an 8-port cassette, andwherein H1 is about 0.83 inches and H2 is about 0.67 inches, wherein thewidth of the front wall is about 2.7 inches and the width of the backwall is approximately 2.6 inches.

Example 23

The optical-connector adapter cassette of any of Examples 16-21, whereinthe optical-connector adapter cassette comprises a 12-port cassette,wherein H1 is about 0.83 inches and H2 is about 0.67 inches, and whereinthe width of the front wall is about 3.9 inches and the width of theback wall is approximately 3.8 inches.

Example 24

The optical-connector adapter cassette of any of Examples 16-23, whereinthe first side wall and second side wall are primarily straight exceptfor a transition forming the goose-neck portion comprises an angledsection having an angle between 20 degrees and 80 degrees.

Example 25

The optical-connector adapter cassette of any of Examples 16-24, whereina transition from the first goose-neck portion comprises an angledsection, and wherein the angled section extends less than approximately10% of D and greater than 2% of D.

Example 26

The optical-connector adapter cassette of any of Examples 16-25, furthercomprising a first substrate disposed within an interior of theoptical-connector adapter cassette and having a first optical circuitformed at least partially on the first substrate, and wherein the firstoptical circuit optically couples front connectors with rear connectors.

Example 27

The optical-connector adapter cassette of any of Examples 16-25, furthercomprising: a first substrate disposed within an interior of theoptical-connector adapter cassette having a first optical circuit formedat least partially on the substrate, and a second substrate disposedwithin the interior of the optical-connector adapter cassette having asecond optical circuit formed at least partially on the secondsubstrate.

Example 28

The optical-connector adapter cassette of any of Examples 16-24, whereina transition from the first goose-neck portion comprises a first angledsection, and further comprising a second goose-neck section formedbetween 10% of D and 50% of D on an opposite side of the cassette fromthe first goose-neck section.

Example 29

The optical-connector adapter cassette of any of Examples 16-28, whereinthe cover extends laterally beyond the first side wall and second sidewall to form a lip on each side, and wherein the lip extends between 1mm and 2 mm beyond the first side wall and second side wall.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been disclosed inthe context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions, permutations, andalterations can be made without departing from the scope of theinvention as defined by the claims. It will be appreciated that anyfeature that is described in connection with any one embodiment may alsobe applicable to any other.

What is claimed:
 1. An optical-connector shelf assembly comprising: afiber-optic enclosure having an interior portion and a plurality oftrays at least partially within the interior portion; a firstoptical-connector adapter cassette and a second optical-connectoradapter cassette supported by the plurality of trays, eachoptical-connector adapter cassette comprising: a housing having a frontwall, a back wall that is opposite the front wall, a first side wall, asecond side wall that is opposite the first side wall, a floor wall, anda cover that together form a cassette interior space, wherein the coveris substantially rectangular in a top view, wherein the first side walland second side wall each have a front end and a back end, the front endand the back end being separated by a longitudinal distance D, whereinthe front end of the first side wall and the front end of the secondside wall each have a height H1, wherein the back end of the first sidewall and the back end of the second side wall each have a height H2, andwherein H1>H2, and a goose-neck section is formed on the first side walland the second side wall closer to the front portion than the backportion, at least one multi-fiber cable adapter mounted with one or moreopenings on the back wall of the housing, a plurality of fiber-opticadapters mounted within openings on the front wall of the housing, andoptical connections positioned within the interior of the housingconnected to the at least one multi-fiber cable adapter and theplurality of fiber-optic adapters; wherein the first optical-connectoradapter cassette and the second optical-connector adapter cassette aresupported by the plurality of trays with the floor wall of the firstoptical-connector adapter cassette proximate to the cover of the secondoptical-connector adapter cassette at a front section proximate thegoose-neck section of each and wherein the plurality of trays does notextend between a front section of the first optical-connector adaptercassette and a front section of the second optical-connector adaptercassette; wherein for each of the first and second optical-connectoradapter cassettes, the cover extends laterally beyond the first sidewall and second side wall to form a lip; wherein each of the first andsecond side walls has slide rails extending from an outer surfacetherefrom on the front section; wherein the plurality of trays comprisesa plurality of partitioning walls having a first longitudinal edge and asecond longitudinal edge; and wherein the lip and the slide rails aresized and configured such that at least one of the plurality ofpartitioning walls fits and slides between the lip and slide rails. 2.The optical-connector shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the height H1is maintained along the first side wall and the second side wall towardthe back end for a distance that is between 10% of D and 50% of D toform the goose-neck section of the housing at a front portion.
 3. Theoptical-connector shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein H1>H2 by at least30% of H1.
 4. The optical-connector shelf assembly of claim 1, whereineach of the plurality of trays comprises: a top surface; the pluralityof partitioning walls mounted to the top surface of the tray andextending beyond a lateral edge of the plurality of trays to form acantilevered portion of each partitioning wall.
 5. The optical-connectorshelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the floor wall of the firstoptical-connector adapter cassette is within at least 0.125 inches ofthe cover of the second optical-connector adapter cassette.
 6. Theoptical-connector shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein D is approximately6 inches and the goose-neck extends from the front end approximately 1.5inches.
 7. The optical-connector shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein H1is about 0.83 inches and H2 is about 0.67 inches.
 8. Theoptical-connector shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein H1 is about 0.83inches and H2 is about 0.67 inches, wherein the width of the front wallis about 2.7 inches and the width of the back wall is approximately 2.6inches.
 9. The optical-connector shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein H1is about 0.83 inches and H2 is about 0.67 inches, wherein the width ofthe front wall is about 3.9 inches and the width of the back wall isapproximately 3.8 inches.
 10. The optical-connector shelf assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the first side wall and second side wall are primarilystraight except for a transition forming the goose-neck portioncomprises an angled section having an angle between 20 degrees and 80degrees.
 11. The optical-connector shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein atransition from the goose-neck portion comprises an angled section, andwherein the angled section extends longitudinally less thanapproximately 10% of D and greater than 2% of D.
 12. Theoptical-connector shelf assembly of claim 1, where the firstoptical-connector adapter cassette and the second optical-connectoradapter cassette each comprises a first substrate having an opticalcircuit thereon.
 13. The optical-connector shelf assembly of claim 1,where the first optical-connector adapter cassette and the secondoptical-connector adapter cassette each comprises a first substratehaving a first optical circuit thereon and a second substrate having asecond optical circuit thereon.
 14. The optical-connector shelf assemblyof claim 1, where the first optical-connector adapter cassette and thesecond optical-connector adapter cassette each are formed with afolded-over substrate having an optical circuit on one portion and aseparate optical circuit on another portion.
 15. An optical-connectoradapter cassette comprising: a housing having a front wall, a back wallthat is opposite the front wall, a first side wall, a second side wallthat is opposite the first side wall, a floor wall, and a cover thattogether form a cassette interior space; wherein the cover isrectangular in a top view; wherein the first side wall and second sidewall each have a front end and a back end separated by a longitudinaldistance D, and wherein the front end of the first side wall and thefront end of the second side wall both have a height H1 and wherein theback end of the first side wall and the back end of the second side walleach have a height H2, and wherein H1>H2, and wherein a first goose-necksection is formed on the first side wall and the second side wall closerto the front wall than the back wall; at least one opening sized andconfigured to receive at least one multi-fiber cable adapter on the backwall of the housing; a plurality of openings formed on the front wallthat are sized and configured to receive a plurality of fiber-opticadapters at the front wall of the housing; and wherein the cover extendslaterally beyond the first side wall and second side wall to form a lipon each side, and wherein the lip extends between 1 mm and 2 mm beyondthe first side wall and second side wall.
 16. The optical-connectoradapter cassette of claim 15, wherein the height H1 extends along thefirst side wall and the second side wall from the front end towards theback end for a distance that is between 10% of D and 50% of D to formthe first goose-neck section.
 17. The optical-connector adapter cassetteof claim 15, wherein 0.5H1>H2.
 18. The optical-connector adaptercassette of claim 15, further comprising: at least one multi-fiber cableadapter disposed with the at least one opening sized and configured toreceive at least one multi-fiber cable adapter on the back wall of thehousing; a plurality of fiber-optic adapters disposed within theplurality opening on the front wall sized and configured to receive aplurality of fiber-optic adapters on the front wall of the housing; andoptical connections positioned within the interior of the housingconnected to the multi-fiber cable adapter and the plurality offiber-optic adapters.
 19. The optical-connector adapter cassette ofclaim 15, wherein D is approximately 6 inches and the first goose-neckextends from the front end approximately 1.5 inches.
 20. Theoptical-connector adapter cassette of claim 15, wherein H1 is about 0.83inches and H2 is about 0.67 inches.
 21. The optical-connector adaptercassette of claim 15, wherein the optical-connector adapter cassettecomprises a 8-port cassette, and wherein H1 is about 0.83 inches and H2is about 0.67 inches, wherein the width of the front wall is about 2.7inches and the width of the back wall is approximately 2.6 inches. 22.The optical-connector adapter cassette of claim 15, wherein theoptical-connector adapter cassette comprises a 12-port cassette, whereinH1 is about 0.83 inches and H2 is about 0.67 inches, and wherein thewidth of the front wall is about 3.9 inches and the width of the backwall is approximately 3.8 inches.
 23. The optical-connector adaptercassette of claim 15, wherein the first side wall and second side wallare primarily straight except for a transition forming the goose-neckportion comprises an angled section having an angle between 20 degreesand 80 degrees.
 24. The optical-connector adapter cassette of claim 15,wherein a transition from the first goose-neck portion comprises anangled section, and wherein the angled section extends less thanapproximately 10% of D and greater than 2% of D.
 25. Theoptical-connector adapter cassette of claim 15, further comprising afirst substrate disposed within an interior of the optical-connectoradapter cassette and having a first optical circuit formed at leastpartially on the first substrate, and wherein the first optical circuitoptically couples front connectors with rear connectors.
 26. Theoptical-connector adapter cassette of claim 15, further comprising: afirst substrate disposed within an interior of the optical-connectoradapter cassette having a first optical circuit formed at leastpartially on the substrate, and a second substrate disposed within theinterior of the optical-connector adapter cassette having a secondoptical circuit formed at least partially on the second substrate. 27.The optical-connector adapter cassette of claim 15, wherein a transitionfrom the first goose-neck portion comprises a first angled section, andfurther comprising a second goose-neck section formed between 10% of Dand 50% of D on an opposite side of the cassette from the firstgoose-neck section.